It's Loco Not to Be Local

Here's some good news for SMBs:  According to a recently released survey from American Express, an overwhelming majority of Americans place a high value on small local businesses.  Of those surveyed, 89% said they believe that small businesses contribute positively to their local communities; 93% said they believe it’s important for people to support the small businesses they value in their community, and 87% believe that small business success is a critical element of overall U.S. economic health.


But the survey respondents also offered more than warm and fuzzy feelings towards small businesses.  The study also indicates that consumers are putting their money where their mouths are when it comes to spending at local small businesses.  Nearly one third of monthly discretionary spending is done at locally-owned, independent businesses, with just over $100 per month spent at their favorite store.


Consumers are clearly demonstrating a commitment to local SMBs, so take every opportunity to utilize marketing streams that are local-centric. Register at sites that showcase local commerce and can influence a buyer's decision such as Yelp, Yahoo Local Listings, Google Places, Citysearch, MerchantCircle, Insider Pages and many more.

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10 Ways SMBs Can Engage Customers in a Tight Economy

Daily Mentions returns from it's break today.  Thanks for stopping by.

Yesterday, Bloomberg reported that more than one million self-employed Americans decided to shut the doors to their businesses due to the recession.  According to Kristin Arslen, president and chief executive officer of the Washington, D.C.-based National Association for the Self-Employed, diminishing opportunities and few customers are behind the failure of so many small businesses.  Despite the promises made by politicians, few are able to simply wait for the eventual economic turnaround.

However, according to Arlen, some small businesses are actually thriving in this anemic economy.  These are businesses that have been awarded state and federal contracts, or are in the healthcare or technology sectors.  Good for them.  But what about the majority of small businesses that don't get